There has been much justified rejoicing at the resignation of IDS and the end of his reign of terror at the DWP. But there is a distinct possibility that his absence may be only temporary.{jcomments on}
If the British public vote to leave the EU, or even if the remain side win by only a very small margin, Cameron and Osborne will almost certainly be toppled.
At the moment Boris Johnson looks like the most likely successor as PM.
IDS will undoubtedly expect to be rewarded for his part in a successful Brexit campaign and there is a real possibility he will ask for his old job at the DWP back again.
If that is the case, will he consider himself bound by the undertakings given by Crabb and Osborne not to make any further benefits cuts in this parliament? And will he continue to be ‘New IDS’, the man who cares deeply about sick and disabled claimants?
Or will he once again devote his energies to new projects which result in sanctions, cuts and bullying claimants into poverty, relapses and suicide?
The possibility of IDS rising from the grave of his ministerial career and once more running the DWP is one that will keep some of us awake at night. And what it will mean for claimants in general is impossible to predict.
